Defining Moments

There are some players that are synonymous with certain moments, a moment of brilliance, bravery, stupidity, madness or just something Proper Chels. These are moments are etched into the memory of every Chelsea fan and their story will be told for generations to come.

Some players have acquired cult status due to their loyalty and longevity. Others have made a short yet sudden impact (and not always positive). Below are a few examples of what I think of when I hear a player’s name (in order of appearance made).

Player Name

Games

Goals

Moment

Ron Harris

795

14

Played for Chelsea more times than anyone. The first person to lift the FA Cup as captain for CFC.

Peter Bonetti

729

The Cat’ was injured during the 1970 FA Cup final replay, but still played on and ensured the win for the blues.

Frank Lampard*

592

199

Although I am certain this will change almost imminently, I will always remember Super Frank for his 2 goals against Bolton at the Reebok back in 2005. His double strike ensured that Chelsea won their first ever Premier League trophy.

John Hollins

592

64

Both played for and managed Chelsea, is the youngest ever Chelsea captain and once played in 157 consecutive games.

John Terry*

564

51

So many memories, but the story I will pass on for generations cam in the 2007 Carling Cup final vs Arsenal. JT got knocked out when kicked in the head whilst trying to head the ball. He had to go to hospital and so missed lifting the trophy. However, he did return in time to celebrate with the rest of the team in the changing room afterwards. JT = Captain, Leader, Legend.

Dennis Wise

445

76

My favourite player of all time. I wish he was still at the club now. For me, he will be remembered for THAT goal he scored in the San Siro, 10 minutes to go…

Steve Clarke

421

10

Clarkey, one of Chelsea’s highest ever appearance makers, yet I will always remember him as Assistant Manager during the golden years. Reported by many as the main reason CFC continued to do so well after Jose Mourinho was sacked.

Kerry Dixon

420

193

A club legend who smashed home a goal vs Arsenal at Highbury on the opening day of the 1984/85 season after Chelsea had just returned to the top flight.

Petr Cech*

412

Arguably the greatest goalkeeper in Chelsea’s history. Although his penalty shootout heroics were incredible, I will never forget the save he made in the 2012 FA Cup final. Pure brilliance that only Big Pete could achieve and yet never replicate.

Eddie McCreadie

410

5

A man who both played for and managed Chelsea. His signature big sunglasses and coat on the touchline. When I hear the name McCreadie, I think of the time Chelsea played Hull in the last game of 1976/77 season at Stamford Bridge. The fans had invaded the pitch TWICE before the final whistle. McCreadie stood on the halfway line with a megaphone and urged the fans to stay off the pitch to let the game finish.

John Bumstead

409

44

Chelsea captain during a poor era.

Peter Osgood

380

150

Although meeting Ossie at my first ever Chelsea game will always be a personal memory, I think of the King of Stamford Bridge as the last man to score in every round of the FA Cup in one season.

Charlie Cooke

373

30

During a game against Wolves at Stamford Bridge, the Bonnie Prince was stuck by the corner flag between the Shed End and East stand with 3 players around him. Somehow he came managed to wriggle his way past the trio of defenders and retain the ball.

Bobby Tambling

370

202

Chelsea’s highest ever goalscorer and only person to score a hattrick for the blues against Arsenal.

Roy Bentley

367

150

Chelsea’s first ever Championship winning captain.

Colin Pates

346

10

Same as John Bumstead, Chelsea captain during a poor era.

Marvin Hinton

344

4

Substitute in the 1970 FA Cup final win over Leeds Utd.

Peter Houseman

343

39

His goal in the 1970 FA Cup final.

Didier Drogba

341

157

It’s written in the stars! Didier Drogba will always be remembered and idolised for his last ever kick of a football for Chelsea; the winning penalty in the 2012 Champions League final.

Gary Locke

317

4

A consistent performer at full back.

Micky Droy

313

19

The tall midfielder never had to jump to win a header due to his huge size.

Graeme Le Saux

312

16

Although his altercations with Robbie Fowler were amusing, I have to say him throwing his Chelsea shirt to the ground when substituted against Southampton back in 1993.

Gianfranco Zola

312

80

How can you possibly choose one moment?! However, I’m going for his final game where he dribbled round half of the Liverpool team near the corner flag, leaving some of the players literally on their backside, before being bundled over. Genius!

Ashley Cole*

301

7

The king of goal line clearances, but I’m going to select his smug face and comments after winning the Champions League final. Germans don’t lose at penalties, “They do now!”

David Webb

299

33

Has to be the winning goal for Chelsea in the 1970 FA Cup final vs Leeds Utd.

Ian Britton

289

34

Hair!

Peter Sillett

288

34

Most noted for his penalty against Wolves on Easter Sunday in 1955 to virtually seal the blues first ever league championship.

Joe Cole

282

39

A real fans favourite, and a Chelsea an himself. My greatest Joe Cole moment was his goal against Man Utd when he made Rio Ferdinand look amateurish by dragging the ball around him before smashing the ball home.

Nigel Spackman

267

14

Got to be when he punched Martin Keown in the head against Arsenal in 1995.

John Mikel Obi*

266

2

We’re still waiting for that Premier League goal so I’m going to say his unfair reputation for losing possession of the ball too easily.

John Boyle

266

12

The first ever person to come on as a substitute for Chelsea.

Eidur Gudjohnsen

263

78

That overhead kick against Leeds Utd at Stamford Bridge!

Salomon Kalou

254

61

Why do we love this man? It’s because he crossed the ball from the left, it landed right on Riise’s head… That’s why we love Salomon Kalou.

Michael Essien*

247

25

His wonder strike against Barcelona in the 2009 Champions League semi final was one of the greatest goals I’ve ever seen at Stamford Bridge.

Pat Nevin

242

45

Sorry, Pat, but it has to be your famous penalty against Man City in 1984.

Terry Venables

237

31

The first person to lift the League Cup for Chelsea as captain.

Florent Malouda*

229

44

A player who was made to rot in the reserves as punishment for not agreeing to take a pay cut.

William Gallas

225

14

His best moment in a Chelsea shirt was his last minute wonder strike against Tottenham. Shame about the end of his CFC career.

Clive Walker

224

65

Liverpool in the 1978 FA Cup. A match winning performance and a tremendous left footed strike from the edge of the penalty area.

Marcel Desailly

222

7

The Rock. People under estimate the importance of his headed equaliser against Liverpool in 2003. It was rumoured that Chelsea would be in huge financial difficulty had they lost that game. Fortunately he did, and Roman Abramovich soon took over.

Stan Willemse

221

2

Hard as nails 1955 Championship winning fullback who used to travel up from Brighton for each game.

Frank Sinclair

218

13

His goal against Middlesbrough on his final appearance to when Chelsea won the 1998 League Cup? Nah, sorry Frank. It has to be the famous ‘pulling down your shorts’ incident vs Coventry for me.

Claude Makelele

217

2

The only player to have a position named after him. Absolute legend and one of the greatest ever Chelsea players.

Carlo Cudicini

216

The greatest ever backup goalkeeper. Finest moment was a last minute save from Berbatov against Spurs in the 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane in 2008.

Slide tackles, a goal against Man Utd, but I’m going to say the egg shaped bump he received on his head during a game against Valencia in 2007.

Dan Petrescu

208

24

He dummies a shot, and again, then goal. “What a f*@king goal” he screamed.

John Dempsey

207

7

Defender who scored the winner against Real Madrid in the 1971 UEFA Cup Winners Cup final replay.

David Speedie

205

64

A feisty Scotsman who people say could start an argument with himself. He did score a hattrick at Wembley for Chelsea in the 5-4 win over Man City in the 1986 Full Members Cup.

Branislav Ivanovic*

204

20

Two Goal Branislav Ivanovic’ scoring two headed goals against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Frank Leboeuf

204

24

Great penalty taker, but will always remembered for his request to change the lyrics to his fans chant so it didn’t include any swearing.

Ray Wilkins

198

33

My word. Captained Chelsea at the age of 18. A huge fans favourite as a player and part of the coaching staff.

Celestine Babayaro

197

8

One word… Back flips.

David Lee

194

13

The hardest penalty shot EVER. My dad and I always refer to a ‘David Lee’ penalty. If a keeper did get a hand to it then then would also end up in the back of the net.

Kevin Wilson

191

55

Moustache!

Alan Hudson

189

14

Missing the 1970 FA Cup final through injury.

Nicolas Anelka

184

59

Le Sulk. Sorry, Nico, but you missed that penalty in Moscow.

Erland Johnsen

183

1

Perhaps the hardest man to play for Chelsea. The Norwegian’s dive against Leicester in the 1997 FA Cup just beats his ‘attempted murder’ charge on the Brugge goal keeper.

Tony Dorigo

180

12

A stunning freekick at Wembley gave Chelsea a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough in the 1990 ZDS final.

Ed De Goey

179

The big Dutch goal keeper with an equally big moustache.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

177

87

I loved his stunning strike vs Man Utd, his huge white grin, but I’m going to choose his perfect hattrick against Spurs in 2002.

Roberto Di Matteo

175

26

The hardest choice of all for me. However, being the manager of the Champions League winning side just edges out his 1997 FA Cup final goal after 43 seconds. There’s only one Di Matteo.

Eddie Niedzwiecki

175

Broken finger.

Ron Tindall

174

69

The man who gave Peter Bonetti the nickname of ‘The Cat’.

Jody Morris

173

9

Trombone goal celebration after he scored Chelsea’s 5th goal against Man Utd in a 5-0 win.

Gareth Hall

171

5

His goal against Spurs in the thrilling 4-3 win at Stamford Bridge in 1994.

Jimmy Greaves

169

132

Just the sheer number of goals he scored for Chelsea in such a short period of time and at such a young age.

Michael Ballack

167

26

His fierce goal celebration after scoring against Blackburn in the 2007 FA Cup semi final at Old Trafford? Nope, it’s his berating of disgraced Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after he denied at least 4 penalties in the 2008/09 Champions League semi final against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

Mario Melchiot

165

5

A Dutchman with dreadlocks? Well, maybe scoring in the 2000 Charity Shield against Man Utd.

George Hilsdon

164

108

George ‘Gatling Gun’ Hilsdon is the only player to score 6 goals in one game for Chelsea. Weathervane.

Tore Andre Flo

163

50

A tall man with great feet. Has to be his hattrick against Tottenham when “We won 6-1 at the Lane”.

Dave Beasant

157

His poor performance against Norwich City.

Gordon Durie

153

63

Jukebox’ scored 5 goals in one game for Chelsea against Walsall. He is the last player to do this for CFC.

Tommy Langley

152

43

One of the youngest ever people to play for Chelsea. Perhaps most remembered for his goal against Wolves in 1976/77 season at Molineux.

Jimmy Windridge

152

58

One of Chelsea’s earliest regular goalscorers.

Graham Wilkins

149

1

Own goals and the brother of Ray Wilkins.

Dmitri Kharine

146

Excellent shot stopper who always wore tracksuit bottoms. I’ll always remember his poor kicking though, especially in the last minute against Newcastle in the FA Cup.

Gustavo Poyet

145

49

It’s got to be THAT scissors volley against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge after Gianfranco Zola scooped the ball up for him.

Hughie Gallacher

144

81

Prolific goal scorer who was banned for two months after swearing at a referee.

Ian Hutchinson

144

58

Got to be his long throw in to set up the winner for Chelsea in the 1970 FA Cup final replay.

Wayne Bridge

142

4

Although the Bridge/Terry incident has marred his Chelsea reputation, I will remember him for his goal against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter final to seal victory for the blues.

I’m going for his thunderbolt freekick in the 4-4 game vs Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the 2009 Champions League quarter final.

Gavin Peacock

134

27

Although he scored both goals in 1-0 wins over Man Utd in the 1993/94 season, I’m choosing him hitting the bar in the 1994 FA Cup final. Oh how different things could have been if that had gone in!

Ramires*

132

21

No surprises here, but his chipped goal against Barcelona at the Nou Camp after John Terry had been sent off. It even won goal of the season that year.

Jose Bosingwa

126

3

The monobrow. Mostly remembered for his superb display at centre back against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Damien Duff

125

19

A tricky Irish winger, who scored in that huge 4-2 win over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. Arguably the greatest game of football in the CFC history in terms of the quality on the pitch.

Shaun Wright-Phillips

125

10

Expensive winger with no crossing ability.

Mark Hughes

123

39

I loved his goal against Vicenza, but will always be remembered for coming on as a sub against Liverpool in the 1997 FA Cup 4th round. Chelsea were losing 2-0 at half time, Mark Hughes came on, scored, and the blues ended up winning 4-2. Comeback.

Ken Shellito

123

2

Spent his entire playing career at Chelsea and then going on to manage the club.

Jesper Gronkjaer

119

11

Great pace, terrible cross although scored a goal worth billions after his strike against Liverpool ensured a 2-1 win for Chelsea and investment from Roman Abramovich.

Michael Duberry

115

3

HEEEEEED! I’m going for his headed goal against Man Utd at Old Trafford in 1996.

Petar Borota

114

Eccentric goalkeeper who would often run up to the half way line during games.

Fernando Torres*

113

27

The man responsible for Gary Neville’s ‘Score-gasm’ after netting the equaliser against Barcelona in the last minute of the 2012 Champions League semi final, securing a place against Bayern Munich in Munich.

Albert Ferrer

113

1

Chapi, he was the reliable right back before Paulo Ferreira made it famous.

Graham Stuart

110

18

His wonder goal vs Sheffield Wednesday in 1992.

Geremi

109

4

His wonder strike volley against Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge in 2003.

Arjen Robben

106

19

His explosive debut vs Blackburn at Stamford Bridge in 2004.

Andy Myers

106

2

Nicknamed ‘Tyson’ due to his toughness.

Bob McRoberts

106

10

Scored Chelsea’s first ever penalty back in 1905 against Barnsley at Stamford Bridge.

Paul Canoville

103

15

The first ever black person to play for Chelsea.

Juan Mata*

100

29

Perhaps the most important player at the club right now. His volley against Man Utd is my Mata moment, but I’m sure more great things will come of the Spaniard soon!

Daniel Sturridge

96

24

Never fulfilled his potential at Chelsea. Have gone for his back heel goal against Sunderland though.

Juliano Belletti

94

5

Without doubt, his goal of the season strike vs Tottenham in 2008.

Ben Howard Baker

93

1

The only goal keeper to score for Chelsea.

Joey Jones

91

2

The only person to be sent off on his Chelsea debut in a game against Carlisle Utd at Brunton Park in 1982.

David Luiz*

90

9

Munich 2012 – the interview he gave when completely drunk. Geezer.

Gianluca Vialli

88

40

His goals against Tromso in the snow in 1997.

Paul Furlong

85

17

The sitter he missed against QPR at Stamford Bridge.

Graham Roberts

83

22

Scoring 13 penalties in the 1988/89 season.

Mario Stanic

80

10

That stunning volley against West Ham on his Premier League debut in 2000.

Andriy Shevchenko

77

22

Considered a £30m flop, although his strike against Spurs in the FA Cup was a beauty.

Emmanuel Petit

76

3

Ponytail.

Hernan Crespo

73

25

I’m going to choose his last minute winner for Chelsea against Wigan in 2005.

Glen Johnson

72

4

The first big money signing of the Roman Abramovich era.

Jakob Kjeldbjerg

66

2

Having his name spelt wrong on the back of his shirt.

Ron Greenwood

66

Future England manager.

Ruud Gullit

64

7

Such an impact in such a short time. The first ever foreign manager to win the FA Cup. I’ll always remember his solo goal vs Man City at Stamford Bridge in 1996.

Mark Stein

63

25

That penalty winning penalty in the 4-3 win against Spurs in 1994 in the last minute that flew back out after hitting the stanchion.

Robert Huth

62

2

Riding around in the gardeners truck after the final game of the 2004/05 season. No nonsense. HUUUUTH!

Boudewijn Zenden

59

4

Rafa Benitez’ assistant despite not having any coaching qualifications.

Jason Cundy

57

2

Chelsea defender and Chelsea fan. Can always be heard going nuts on Chelsea TV when the blues score. And who can forget the Lederhosen?!

Gary Cahill*

56

8

Heroics in the 2012 Champions League final in his first game for 4 weeks after picking up an injury in the semi final against Barcelona.

Paul Elliott

54

3

Chelsea’s first ever black captain. His career was cut short after a horrific challenge from Dean Saunders in 1992.

Mickey Thomas

54

11

Scoring twice on his home debut for Chelsea against Sheffield Wednesday on the way to wining the second division title in the 1983/84 season.